The Act of Killing is a powerful documentary which captures the horrors of Indonesia’s mass killings in 1965-66. After a failed coup, Anwar Congo and his followers embarked on a killing spree that left tens of thousands dead and the country devastated.
The film follows these former death squad members as they reenact their grisly acts with chilling detail. Their stories provide an uncomfortable insight into what happened and how some perpetrators are still able to live freely today. It is an emotionally harrowing experience that will stay with viewers long after it has ended.
This unprecedented documentary does not shy away from difficult subjects; instead, it addresses them head-on and allows viewers to make up their own minds about the events in question. Director Joshua Oppenheimer seeks to bring awareness to this issue, so that those affected by the killings can gain some closure and justice can finally be served.
We encourage everyone to watch The Act of Killing – not only to learn more about this dark period in Indonesian history, but also for its artistic merits as a documentary film. It is an important piece of work that should be seen by all those interested in human rights issues or simply looking for an emotionally engaging viewing experience.
